Ketchum, Robert A. 'Bob'

Robert A. “Bob” Ketchum, 76, of Aurora, Colo., died Aug. 17, 2011, at home from congestive heart failure. Graveside services are pending.

Bob was born Nov. 29, 1934, in Hurstville, Iowa, to Charles and Henrietta (Jansen) Ketchum. He attended West Branch Schools, graduating in 1952.

Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after graduation from high school, remaining on active duty for 28 years and retiring as a chief master sergeant in 1980. He subsequently worked as a logistics manager with Lockheed Martin in Denver, Colo., for the next 16 years, retiring in 1996.

Bob was a member of American Legion Post 514 in West Branch.

Bob is survived by his wife, Elaine (Hanson); two daughters and three grandsons, Robin Balogh and son David and Regina (Roger) Hostetter and sons Jesse and Ryan; two brothers, Kenneth (Rilda) Ketchum of Hot Springs, S.D., and Jerry Ketchum (and partner, Dorothy Jilek) of Miami, Fla.; one sister, Betty Ketchum of Iowa City; brother-in-law, Eldon (Marilyn) Hanson of West Branch; sister-in-law, Esther (Glen) Frisbie of Springville; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Charles LeRoy; three sisters, Charline Ketchum, Marietta Brecht and LaVonne Dean; and grandson, Jeffrey Balogh.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Ketchum Family Scholarship Fund, c/o West Branch Community Schools, P O Box 637, West Branch, IA 52358.